February 28, 2024

Colloquium Topic: Combining Art and Engineering to Solve Impossible Technology Challenges

Once known for entertaining millions by creating special effects for Hollywood, theme parks and Broadway, Applied Minds cofounder Bran Ferren now solves impossible tech challenges with previously unimaginable inventions.

His TED talk on combining art and engineering has drawn over a million views. He’s one of Fast Company’s “100 Most Creative People in Business.” He’s the former head of Walt Disney Imagineering Research and Development. And he has designed concert visual effects for the likes of Pink Floyd, Paul McCartney, REM, Rush and David Bowie.

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Colloquium Speaker: Bran Ferren

Bran Ferren, a designer and technologist, is Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Applied Minds LLC, where he invents and prototypes high-technology products and innovative business strategies for the entertainment, media, aerospace, automotive, architecture, computing, defense, intelligence, and consumer products sectors. He works regularly as a lead concept designer, creative consultant, and systems engineer and is an inventor on over 500 issued and pending US and international patents. Bran is the former President of Research and Development and Creative Technology for the Walt Disney Company, where he was responsible for advanced technology and innovation projects. He was previously President and Senior Designer for Associates & Ferren, a company acquired by Disney in 1993.